This week in Christian history: Jesuits killed in Va., pope canonizes saint, black UMC caucus formed

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 31, 2021

Silhouette of a cross against the sky during sunset. | Getty images

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births, notable deaths and everything in between.

Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while other happenings may be previously unknown by most people.

The following pages highlight events that happened this week — Jan. 31 to Feb. 6 — in Church history. They include the first time a pope canonized a saint, the martyring of Jesuits in what is now Virginia and the formation of an African American caucus in the United Methodist Church.